Longboarding is often seen as a fun way to cruise around, but can it actually contribute to weight loss? The short answer is yes, but it’s crucial to have realistic expectations. While longboarding isn’t as intense as some other forms of exercise, it’s a great way to burn calories and get moving, especially if you’re looking for a low-impact activity that’s enjoyable. Let’s delve into how longboarding can help you shed pounds and the various benefits it offers.
Calories Burned While Longboarding
Longboard on scales
Research from Harvard Medical School indicates that a person weighing between 125 and 185 pounds can burn anywhere from 300 to 444 calories per hour of longboarding. This calorie burn rate, while not as high as running or cycling, still provides a significant contribution to overall fitness and weight management. On average, you can expect to burn roughly 240 to 420 calories per hour, translating to about 4 to 7 calories per minute while longboarding. This means that a daily hour-long longboarding session can potentially burn between 1680 and 2940 calories weekly. While that’s not quite enough to lose a full pound of fat (which requires a 3500-calorie deficit), it’s a solid start, particularly when combined with other healthy lifestyle choices. Beginners might find themselves burning more calories initially due to the extra effort required for balance and technique. Remember that the intensity of your workout will significantly impact your calorie expenditure; pushing harder and maintaining higher speeds will naturally lead to burning more calories. High-quality longboard bearings and wheels can actually make your workout easier by allowing you to maintain speed with less effort, whereas older or lower-quality equipment might require more effort and result in more intense calorie burn. However, it’s important to approach these calculations with a healthy dose of skepticism, as calorie estimates are not precise. Factors such as body composition, fitness level, and individual metabolism all influence the actual number of calories burned, and no calorie calculator or app can offer truly accurate measurements.
Is Longboarding a Good Workout?
Longboarding is indeed a good form of cardio exercise, elevating your heart rate and strengthening your cardiovascular system. It offers a fantastic alternative to running or cycling, particularly for those seeking a more enjoyable and low-impact physical activity. While it may not be as calorie-intensive as some high-impact workouts, longboarding still provides a good level of physical exertion. Various longboarding styles can offer different levels of intensity. Cruising on a smaller board requires more frequent pushing, making it a more physically demanding workout. Standard longboarding with larger wheels and a longer deck allows you to maintain momentum more easily, ideal for longer rides. Longboard dancing and downhill longboarding are more intense, similar to skateboarding in terms of physical demands. Slalom and freeride styles also involve a lot of carving, pumping and sliding which can be physically exhausting. Newcomers to longboarding should probably focus on cruising or standard longboarding to begin with and then explore other styles as their skills and fitness improve. It’s also common to experience muscle cramps, particularly in your feet, as your body adjusts to the motions and balancing. This discomfort is temporary and will likely diminish with practice and improved technique. Proper hydration and avoiding stomping your push foot while riding will also help to minimize cramps.
The Comprehensive Benefits of Longboarding
Beyond the physical workout, longboarding provides multiple benefits, including improved mental well-being. It encourages you to spend time outdoors, soak up some Vitamin D, and possibly meet new people. Here are some key advantages:
- Increased Muscle Strength and Stamina: Longboarding engages various muscle groups, improving strength and endurance.
- Vitamin D Intake: Being outdoors while longboarding helps your body produce this essential vitamin.
- Enjoyment of Nature: Longboarding gets you outside, promoting mental clarity.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Regular exercise, such as longboarding, can lead to better sleep.
- Social Opportunities: You may find local longboarding groups and meet new friends.
- Enhanced Mood: Physical activity releases endorphins, reducing stress and improving overall mood.
- Adrenaline Rush: The speed and flow of longboarding can provide a thrilling and energizing experience.
Which Muscles Does Longboarding Engage?
Longboarding is a more comprehensive workout than some might think. While it might not give you a bodybuilder physique, it works a surprising number of muscles, mainly targeting your legs and core. Just balancing on the board is a workout in itself. Pumping and carving significantly increase the workout intensity. Here are some of the key muscles involved:
- Triceps: Located at the back of the upper arm
- Biceps: Situated at the front of the upper arm
- Deltoids: The muscles surrounding the shoulder
- Trapezius: Muscles covering the neck and shoulders
- Rectus Abdominis (Abs): Your core muscles, engaged for balance and stability.
- Latissimus Dorsi: Large back muscles used in pulling motions and balance.
- Obliques: Muscles on the sides of the abdomen, crucial for turning and carving.
You may experience some muscle soreness initially, which is a good sign that your muscles are working and getting stronger. As your body adapts to longboarding, this soreness will reduce.
Skateboarding vs Longboarding for Fitness
While both are board sports, skateboarding and longboarding offer different types of workouts. Skateboarding is generally more intense and requires more frequent pushing and balancing, leading to a higher calorie burn. Longboarding, on the other hand, is often more focused on endurance and cruising.
- Intensity: Skateboarding is typically more physically demanding, while longboarding is smoother and less tiring.
- Calorie Burn: Intense skateboarding can burn up to 800 calories per hour, while longboarding typically burns less.
- Learning Curve: Longboarding is often easier to learn for beginners, while skateboarding requires more balance and coordination.
- Injury Risk: Longboarding generally has a lower injury risk compared to skateboarding.
Longboarding for Overweight Individuals
Bustin Sportster Elements
If you are overweight, longboarding can still be a very accessible form of exercise. A quality longboard can easily handle your weight, but it’s essential to avoid boards that are too flexible as this makes learning harder. Look for boards with sturdy decks and reliable components. Research and consider investing in one of the best longboards specifically designed for heavy riders to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
Understanding Longboard Weight Limits
While some may claim that longboards can handle up to 250 lbs, the truth is that it depends on the build quality of the longboard. Some boards can certainly support more weight than others. Riding a longboard within its design limits is crucial for safety. A crucial factor to consider is the flex of the board.
flex vs flat longboard
A board with excessive flex can make it more challenging to maintain balance and may feel uncomfortable to ride. Select a board that is sturdy and appropriate for your weight, to improve your longboarding experience and safety.
The Importance of a Healthy Diet
Longboarding is an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle, but it’s not a magic solution for weight loss. To truly see results, you need to focus on a healthy diet alongside your exercise routine. Try to incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables while minimizing sugary drinks and processed snacks. Ensure you are consuming enough protein to support muscle growth, as protein also aids in burning fat. Reducing your daily calorie intake, even by a small amount, can make a significant difference over time. Adequate sleep is also important as it allows your body to recover and adapt to the workouts. It’s best to start slowly and gradually increase your workout intensity to avoid burnout. Remember, the goal is to build sustainable, healthy habits rather than trying to achieve drastic changes in a short amount of time.
Concluding Thoughts
Longboarding can be a great way to get fit and lose weight, but it’s essential to have realistic expectations. It’s a fun and engaging form of exercise that works various muscle groups and offers a plethora of mental and physical benefits. It’s a cost-effective alternative to gym memberships and can be done whenever and wherever you want, weather permitting. You’ll sweat and burn calories, and the best part is that it doesn’t feel like a chore. Remember to start slowly, bring water, and most importantly, have fun. Consistent practice and a healthy diet are the keys to long-term success.
Ruben vee
Ruben Vee
I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.
